Deputy head of Saudi interfaith centre resigns

Former Justice Minister Claudia Bandion-Ortner, the deputy head of a Saudi-sponsored religious dialogue centre in Vienna, has resigned amidst a controversy over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the centre's role in Austria.

"We recognize Mrs Bandion-Ortner's step as one which will contribute to the stabilization of the current debate around the centre. We wish her all the best for the future," the centre's spokesman Peter Kaiser said in a press release.

Bandion-Ortner came under fire last year for comments that appeared to play down Saudi Arabia's human rights record.